Contact Mrs. Russo: E-mail crusso@bethpage.ws
Main Office (516) 644-4400
2011-2012
WEEK IN REVIEW
2nd Quarter
2011-2012
10/31-11/4
We kicked off the week with Halloween. Thanks to all the families who sent in
treats! Thank you to Mrs.Torres and Mrs. Bestany for preparing and sending in goodies.
BOO! For Halloween pictures please go to
the following link: H:\2011-2012\Character
Dress-Up Day.doc
Math- We took the Chapter 3
test on Wednesday, and we have begun Chapter
4-Division
Social Studies-We learned a lot about how the government
and the US Constitution were created.
The skill, ”learning how to compromise” (to help solve a problem) was
emphasized throughout the chapter. We took the Chapter 9 test Friday morning.
Science- On Tuesday we learned about the Water Cycle with Mrs. Marcis. In our classroom we continued to study different
elements of weather in Unit 12.
Dates
to remember: School is closed Tuesday
11/8 and Friday 11/11
Evening conferences
this month are Thursday 11/17
School is closed for
Thanksgiving 11/24 & 11/25
Our
class is donating a Thanksgiving dinner to a family in need. We have requested that each student bring in
a canned good/food item to help complete the dinner. Thank you in advance for
your generosity.
11/7-11/10~Friday was Veteran’s Day
Math- We are in division, and we found long division was easier if
we draw pictures, use manipulatives or act out the problem. Estimating before we begin double digit, long
division helps start the guess and check process. We used DMSCB as a guide to following the
steps.
LA-This week we focused on Non-fiction articles. We used articles that were 1, 2 & 3
paragraphs long, and answered questions.
We focused on helping and linking verbs, and played SMART board games to
reinforce our learning.
Social Studies- We had our Chapter 9 test where the focus
was on Compromises, between people and our government.
Science- Our Unit 12 Science test was on Thursday. We used our SMART board review games, weather
videos and review packet to prepare for Thursdays test. Weather maps and
stations were viewed on the computer to see how meteorologists use them to
report the weather.
Important People in
History report due 12/6
11/14-11/18
Math-We finished up the second half of Chapter 4~Division: Problem solving and interpreting the
remainder were the focus this week. We did the chapter review, and our Chapter
4 test is Monday.
Social Studies- We continue to explore the Bill of Rights,
and learn about many of the amendments in the US Constitution.
Science-We finished up our unit on Climate, and we had several classroom
discussions on how to read a table to extract information. We discussed how climate affects and area,
and how an area, such as the soil, vegetation & the living things, is
affected by the climate.
Check out the fun
time we had on our 21 Century Ice Skating trip Friday,
~ Sorry we weren’t
able to capture everyone who attended~ H:\5th
Grade Activities\21st Century\IceSkatingNov11.docx
We
are excited about our 5th Grade T shirts.
It was so
nice to talk with parents last night, and I look forward to the upcoming
afternoon P/T conferences on 11/29 and 12/5.
Have a great weekend!
11/21-11/23
We had a lot to do
in a short week.
Math- We took the
Chapter 4 Math test, and introduced Chapter 5, Algebra. The vocabulary was the focus.
Social Studies-We finished reading Chapter 10 which
focused on the Bill of Rights, Federalists and Anti-federalists, and the first
cabinet. Chapter 10 test is this coming Tuesday.
Science-We took our Science test on Unit 13 (Climate) on Tuesday.
When we return to school we will be going out of sequence and begin with Unit
2.
In addition to our
regular schedule, we had two very exciting programs this week:
We had our very first Class Vote for Class Representatives on
Tuesday. The speeches and posters were
very well done. A lot of hard work and preparation went into this Student Council Election. I would like to acknowledge those who were in
the race.
Good Job to Michaela Andre, Hunter Bedard, Julia Volberg, Vasudha Prasad, Sean Dalton, William Katartzis,
and Andrew Sapuppo!
Congratulations
to our winners Julia Volberg and Andrew Sapuppo.
On Wednesday morning we had a very
interesting presentation called, “Little Doctors” which was given to inform all
5th graders about blood donation.
The upcoming blood drive is in need of your donation, and will be at
Charles Campagne on Dec. 5th. Please ask your son or daughter about the
assembly, and have them show you the sign up sheet.
Finally, early dismissal on Wednesday went
very well. We thank you for your
cooperation, and I hope everyone had a happy, and healthy Thanksgiving.
Upcoming events: Athletes Helping Athletes
12/1
More pictures on the way…H:\2011-2012\Classrepresentativespictures.docx
11/28-12/2
Math- In Math this week we started Algebra. The vocabulary in this lesson is very important,
as it is used in the directions for assignments very often
Social Studies-.Chapter 11 brings us to The Louisiana
Purchase and the War of 1812.
Science- Unit 2 starting with subjects such as maps, globes, latitude
and longitude and continuing with the make up of the Earths core.
On Thursday we had
the Athletes helping Athletes assembly.
The boys and girls from the high school come to our school to interact
with fifth graders. Through games they
share advice and ideas about how to handle school (academics) and sports once
they enter middle school and high school.
It was a fun assembly, and we look forward to seeing our past students
come back as mature juniors and seniors with a great perspective on education.
COMING SOON IN DECEMBER—
Winter Concert 10:00AM
Health Class Dec. 22
Winter Concert BHS
12/5-12/9
Math- This week in Math we finished chapter 5, and our introduction
to Algebra. This week the focus will be on problem solving, using algebraic
expressions.
Science- We finished up Unite 2, and will be starting up Unit 3 this
week. The focus in Unit 3 is on an
introduction to Chemistry. This will
include learning all about minerals, as well as elements, compounds and
chemical formulas.
Social Studies- Our test on Chapter 11 is Thursday. Review will take place during this week.
Language Arts- We will be having a Grammar test on
Tuesday on verbs. This was a very long
unit, and it will be important to implement study strategies when preparing for
this test. Review pages in the text book
at the end of the unit are a great resource to use to prepare.
Check out pictures
of Little Doctors and Map making in the classroom
by clicking on the
links that follow:H:\2011-2012\Web
site Pics\Littledoctors.docx and H:\2011-2012\Web
site Pics\Mapping it Out.docx
**
12/19-12/23
The last two weeks
we’ve been very busy
Math- We had our first Math test this past week in Algebra
Social Studies-We have been working in Chapter 12 and
talking a lot about how the West was settled.
The
Science- While we anxiously await the arrival of our Rocks and
Minerals kit, we have been learning about elements, minerals and
compounds. The introduction to chemistry
has definitely sparked an interest in Science in the classroom.
LA
– We worked on facts and opinions this week, as well as the genre of
Biographies. We finally got back to our
guided reading schedule and had a fun time reading high interest level books
that relate to voting.
Happy Holidays to
everyone, and I wish you a very happy and healthy New Year!
Due in
Jan…Reminder:
Science Fair –Topic 1/6
Bullying Poster 1/10
Spirit Day 1/10
Book Report 1/27
NWEA 1/24 LA
NWEA 1/31 MATH
WELCOME BACK and HAPPY NEW
YEAR!
1/3-1/6 (Tues.-Fri)
Math – Chap. 7 Graphing, finding the mean, median and
mode, and Frequency tables. Different
kinds of graphs include single & double bar graphs, line graphs, line plot
graphs, & pictographs.
We worked on
extracting data from a data box, creating graphs, and interpreting data from
graphs. We worked on drawing conclusions
from the graphs once they were created. During group work we created different
kinds of graphs on (graphing) chart paper, and displayed them in the hallway.
Social Studies – We completed the week today with a test
in Chapter 12. We worked on centers or stations during the
course of the week. Each of the five
different centers required the students to review the main ideas that ran
throughout Chap. 12.
Even though Social Studies concepts were the
main topic, Language Arts skills, Math skills and inquiry skill were incorporated
into each center.
Science – We continued with Unit
4, and our focus for the next week will be on the properties of rocks and
minerals. PLEASE send in empty egg
cartons with your son or daughter as soon as possible. They are used in our Rocks and Minerals kit to hold the rocks. Thanks.
Important- Topic sheet and parent’s signature for Science Fair project
was due Friday 1/6.
Language Arts- In LA this week we learned how to use and
outline. We read a non-fiction story, Beyond
the Horizon, and we finished writing our persuasive essays in computer
class. Our focus in grammar has been
adjectives, and there will be a test next week on the Adjectives unit.
Important due
dates:
VFW essay due Monday morning 1/9
Science Fair –Topic 1/6
Bullying Poster 1/10 WE
NEED CLEAN, EMPTY EGG CARTONS J
Book Report 1/27
NWEA 1/24 LA
NWEA 1/31 MATH
Spirit Day 1/10
1/9-1/13
Math – Chap. 7 Graphing, finding the mean, median and
mode, and Frequency tables. Different
kinds of graphs include single & double bar graphs, line graphs, line plot
graphs, & pictographs.
We worked on
extracting data from a data box, creating graphs, and interpreting data from
graphs. We worked on drawing conclusions
from the graphs once they were created. During group work we created different
kinds of graphs on (graphing) chart paper, and displayed them in the hallway.
Social Studies – The focus on Chapter 13, lesson 1 -3 has
been the introduction of the Cotton Gin, and the fundamental causes of the
Civil War. We made Cotton Gin advertisement
posters, and discussed in great detail how the North and South relied on each
other. We used an outline organizer to take notes after reading lesson 3.
Even though Social Studies concepts were the
main topic, Language Arts skills, Math skills and inquiry skill are being
incorporated into each center.
Science – We took the Unit 3 test this Friday, and we are looking
forward to starting our Rocks & Minerals kit next week. We watched an
entertaining video on the properties of Rocks and Minerals, & used a SMART
board review before the test.
Language Arts We discussed vocabulary, and spelling
rules earlier in the week. Review of the
adjectives unit, on Thursday we had a tests on Unit 4. Additionally, SMART board activities are incorporated
into each weeks lessons to review daily grammar lessons.
Computers- We are developing & creating
our very own personal restaurant
menus. The goal is to use as many proper
adjectives as possible.
Science Fair –Please continue to work on
your project J
Book Report Due 1/27
NWEA 1/24 LA
NWEA 1/31 MATH
MORE PICTUES FROM OUR CLASSROOM …ENJOY
H:\2011-2012\Cooperative
group wrkgraphs[1].docx
1/17-1/20
Math – Chap. 7-Started Chapter 8 in Math – Fractions-We
used Fraction strips at each group as an introduction to each lesson.
Social Studies – Chapter 13. The important generals and
influential leaders during the time period between 1860 & 1865 have been
the focus of this week’s lessons. Men such as: Gen. Meade, Gen. U. S. Grant,
General Lee, as well as President Lincoln.
Additionally, we incorporated the SMART board as we learned about the
important role women from both the NORTH and the SOUTH played. We used the
SMART board to take a closer look at real life pictures of soldiers & their
camps, as well as maps of the area near
We read aloud Pink
& Say by Patricia Polacco, and watched the video.
Science – We finally gathered enough egg cartons to start the Rocks
& Minerals Unit. To all the families who contributed several boxes, thank
you very much.J I really
appreciate it. I hope you don’t have to eat egg salad for the next week. We
distributed the samples today, and the students are very excited to begin
testing. I look forward to seeing the
young scientists do their thing.
Language Arts – We studied the elements that make up
Science fiction this week. We read the
story Zathura, and it was quite entertaining. We kicked off Grammar-Unit 5 on
Capitalization & Punctuation, and we began prewriting our own Science
fiction stories. I can’t wait to read them, they seem very promising!
Computers- Nest
Tuesday will be our day to take the NWEA for ELA tests. Please make sure your
child eats something for breakfast. We
will be having the later lunch.
Science Fair –Please continue to work on
your project J
Book Report Due 1/27
1/23-1/27
Math – Chapter 8 Fractions is in full swing in room 205. We have been
working to learn about how division, fractions, improper fractions work
together particularly in problem solving.
We worked with fraction strips, pattern blocks, Cuisenaire rods and
Geoboards to kick off our introduction to fractions. We have explored equivalent fractions, and
the relationship of fractions within geometric shapes. We will continue to move forward in fractions
particularly in simplifying, and finding common denominators which will allow us
to add and order them.
Social Studies – Chapter 13. The focus this week was on
the skill in chapter 13, Making Difficult Decisions. We discussed what strategies the great
leaders have used in the past, and we talked how we could use those strategies
to help us in our daily lives.
Science- We were able to start our first experiment on our rocks and
minerals. We look forward to doing more
experiments in the next few weeks. Using Dioscoveryeducation.org we are able to
watch a couple short video clips that enhance our Science lessons so the students
can see the actual geological actions that cause the rocks and minerals to
change over time.
Language Arts – Several components made up our week in
LA. We learned about denotations and
connotations in the English Language, we took our Reading NWEA tests on
Tuesday, and we revisited strategies necessary to solve for the unknown word in
analogies. Finally we had an enjoyable Friday listening to our book report
presentations. The boys and girls did a
great job; however we still have a few more to finish up next week. Thank
you for all your support at home getting the book report posters done on time.
Computers- Computer lab has been closed this week and next due to NWEA testing.
International Language teachers from JFK came
in and spent 45 minutes with the entire fifth grade. This assembly was a wonderful introduction
for the boys and girls to learn about both the Language and
Music departments at JFK.
Notices went home
which are due back early February.
Please talk to your son or daughter about what language they want to take next year, and ask them
about the assembly and what they learned…You might be surprisedJ
Science Fair- Paragraphs were due 1/27. Please make
sure you get them done over the weekend if they were not handed in on FridayJ
Thank you to
Johnny Wong’s family for bringing in fortune cookies for the class to enjoy
after the NWEA tests, the kids really enjoyed reading their fortunesJ
NWEA Math test
Next week we will
have Health on Thursday.
Bully Free Week is coming the second week
in February. The week will be packed with fun activities that educate the girls
and boys on how to handle a bully and how to end bullying. Thanks to all the families that helped make
the bully posters! They line the hallways of our school, and look
fantastic!
More pictures on the way…………………………………H:\2011-2012\Web
site Pics\MathgroupsFractions[1].docx
End
of Second quarter
3rd Quarter
1/30-2/3
Math- Finishing up Chapter 8- Fractions—Focus this week is on
Problem Solving using Fractions
Science – Unit 4 Lessons 6-8: Focus
on categorizing different types of rocks, and the Rock Cycle
Social Studies- Unit on Civil War~(Chapter 13) Video, analyzing
timelines and using non-fiction research packets to find answers to important
questions about the Civil War
Language Arts- This week stayed focused on our NYS Assessment Preparation
workbook called, Ladders. The skills we
review this past week were compare and contrast, sequencing order of events,
and cause and effect.
Tests next week include SS Chapter 13, Math Chapter 8 and
Grammar Unit 5 Lesson 5-8
Please continue to work on Science Fair projectJ
SCHEDULE
Monday
Gym 1:45 - 2:25 
Tuesday
Music 2:30 - 3:00 
Computer 1:30-2:00 
21st Century
Wednesday Gym
11:05-11:45 
Library 2:45-3:25 
Thursday Music
2:30-3:00 
Friday Art 1:55- 2:35 
Computer
TAKE NOTE:
Extra
help starts on Tuesday 9/27 & will be every Tuesday and Thursday
IMPORTANT DATES:
ELA NY STATE TEST APRIL 16 & 17
Birthdays in
Room 205
2011-2012
JANUARY: Hunter
1/7
Chelsea 1/21
FEBRUARY: Sarah 2/15
MARCH: Michael 3/24
APRIL:
Soham 4/12
Brandon4/14
Carissa 4/20
JUNE: Courtney 6/12
Dylan 6/18
JULY: Daniel 7/8
Jonathan 7/17
Gerald 7/19
AUGUST: William 8/23
SEPTEMBER: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
OCTOBER: Vasudha 10/4
Christopher 10/5
Marisa 10/11
Ryan 10/12
Frank 10/24
Andrew 10/27
NOVEMBER: Marcus 11/14
Michaela 11/26
DECEMBER: Kevin 12/10
Julia 12/15
Carlos 12/29
Sean 12/31
Things to Remember :
·
Students
are permitted to bring in a snack and a small drink to celebrate their
birthday. (All kids enjoy a small, cold water bottle)
·
We
only have fifteen minutes to sing and eat, so please send in snacks that are
prepared for individual servings, and ready to distribute.
·
If
necessary, please remember to send in napkins, plates, forks, spoons or
whatever is necessary for the class treat.
EXTRA HELP
REMINDER: Extra
Help will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:45-9:15AM, unless
notified otherwise. All students are
welcome, but please attend only as needed. Come with specific questions.
Quick Links
Math
Kings Math |
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Language Arts
Science, Social Studies, etc. 
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Site of the month: Make your own snowflake